Credit Reporting FOR A SMALL BUSINESS

Transcription

1 Credit Reporting FOR A SMALL BUSINESS

2 Welcome 1. Agenda 2. Ground Rules 3. Introductions

3 Objectives Explain the concept of credit reporting and the impact of credit reports on the operation or growth of a small business. Identify the credit reports and other reporting systems commonly used to assess the risk of extending credit to a small business. Explain how these credit reports work.

4 Objectives (continued) Identify the benefits a small business derives from a positive record of managing its debts and obligations. Identify risks to a business from credit-related scams or frauds and take steps to avoid or mitigate harm caused by them.

5 Objectives (continued) Identify the common practices and products, tools, and services that are available for a small business to help in proper credit reporting. Identify strategies to build or improve credit to improve the business credit. Explain how the personal finances of a business owner impact the business ability to get credit.

6 What Do You Know? What do you know or want to learn about credit reporting?

7 Credit Reporting Provides information by banks, lenders, investors, landlords, businesses, and government agencies Contains an analysis of: Credit worthiness Insurance underwriting Employment Certain licenses Continued credit terms Business needs

8 Credit Report Impact Borrower seeking credit Report user Reporter of information

9 Business Credit Reports Participation might increase marketability Established accounts are monitored and controlled Data may be used to obtain business credit

10 Business Credit Reports (continued) Obtain a tax ID number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a DUNS number. Subscribe to a reporting service that meets your needs and budget. Provide your business registration information, financial statements, and accounts to be included in the report. Use reports produced by the service to build strengths in your business.

11 Discussion Point #1: Business Credit Reports Have business credit reports helped your business? What have been some of the challenges of business credit reports?

12 Business Credit Reports (continued) A business credit report includes: Commercial credit risk score Indicators to predict the potential for business failure Credit filings in existence for secured property Business ownership information Other businesses owned by the same organization Public records of security interest filings

13 Three Key Business Reporting Agencies

14 Consumer Reporting Agency Any person or business that assembles or evaluates credit information on consumers

15 Discussion Point #2: Consumer Reporting Agency What are some of the reasons a business owner may have for reporting consumer credit information to a consumer reporting agency?

16 Reporting Consumer Credit Manages Risk Notice of debt incurred Notice of property used as collateral Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Increases timely payments Greater debt recovery potential Uncover fraud Locate debtors

17 Reporting to Credit Agencies Retail locations must have: Location with secured Locks Separate office with secured files Protection of data Secure computers

18 Requirements to Report Directly Secure location with secure practices Minimum number of accounts reporting monthly Software purchases for reporting and handling disputes Accurate record keeping and reporting Separate setup fees to pull credit Training

19 Reporting through a Local or Regional Agency Option if you do not qualify to directly report Comparison-shop Know what fees and costs you may pay

20 Additional Services of Agencies Employment Prescreening and employment package services Changes Address, contact information, and bankrupt debtors Collection services Take legal action to recover debts or buy debts

21 Additional Services of Agencies (continued) Marketing Mailing lists of like customers Lower risks Fraudulent accounts Lower compliance risks Agency models and training with Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)

22 Fair Credit Reporting Act Defines consumer credit reporting Business purposes for use of reports Consumer authorizations for use

23 Fair Credit Reporting Act (continued) Fraud alerts Disputes Identity theft Access to free reports Policies and procedures Limitations on the use of the report

24 Fair Credit Reporting Act (continued) Use of credit scores Complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission Civil liability for negligence Responsibilities of those furnishing information

25 Discussion Point #3: Fair Credit Reporting Act How does the Fair Credit Reporting Act impact your business?

26 Fair Credit Billing Act Billing practices and errors Payments crediting accounts promptly Returns offsets

27 Risks and Responsibilities of Handling Personal Information Noncompliance can include losing more than your business reputation

28 Personal Credit Impact on Business Build business credit with personal liability. Establish credit with vendors and suppliers. Build credit with your local bank in the business name. Maintain established vendor and supplier relationships.

29 Your Personal Credit Review your credit report at least once every year for errors Dispute errors quickly Provide documentation to support claim Send directly to creditor Request all repositories to be updated Request a new credit report to verify

30 Improve Your Personal Credit Scores Pay your loans and other bills on time Avoid judgments and tax liens Comparison shop for financial services Keep older accounts and pay them off monthly

31 Personal Guarantor Advantages Indicates your support of the business to lender May help to establish credit May ease start up or cash flow Better loan terms

32 Personal Guarantor Disadvantages May be required to make payments, if business defaults May risk losing personal assets, including your home Spouse may be required to sign, if you are married Other implications with partnerships and owners

33 Discussion Point #4: Personal Guarantor What are the challenges of being a personal guarantor?

34 The New Small Business Owner Your personal credit is the foundation for building business credit. Remember that credit is money. Benjamin Franklin 1748 This is still true today!

35 Top Five Key Points to Remember Know what is on your personal credit report by ordering a free credit report. Establish a credit history for your small business. Request a copy of your business credit report.

36 Top Five Key Points to Remember (continued) Consider providing timely information to the credit agencies on how customers repay their debts. Be aware of and follow all laws and industry standards relating to credit reports to avoid costly fines or legal judgments.

37 Summary What final questions do you have? What have you learned? How would you evaluate the training?

38 Conclusion You learned about: The purpose for credit reporting and different types Differences between business and consumer credit reports Agencies, repositories, and reporting

39 Conclusion You learned about: Benefits, risks, and responsibilities of credit reporting The effect personal credit can have on your business How to be a better applicant and improve your own credit